Norman J. Finizio - University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Professor: Norman J. Finizio

Department: Mathematics

College: University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Tests are based on the suggested book problems... like some of them exactly the same. Lectures are really long and boring. The book is more helpful than the lectures but I wouldn't recommend skipping. Biggest suggestion: do the book problems!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is such a nice guy but his lectures do take a while and are dry. He is very clear about what he's teaching but it takes him a while to get to the point sometimes. Take notes and do the examples with him in class and you will do fine. I would take the class again, he's a good teacher overall.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Nice guy, talks very clearly and precisely. Honestly, his lectures were quite dry, not all that interesting but the class is passable and he is willing to explain and help out if you need more than average.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MTH382
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

In MTH 382, Finizio gives 2 tests each worth 25% and a final worth 50%. So, if you're not a great test taker, this class will definitely be tough. However, he is a fair grader and sometimes gives makeups. His lectures are long, but he does not give any homework. Very nice person. I recommend taking MTH 307 first in preparation for this class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He's a really nice guy who cares a lot about his students. Go to class to get notes and clarification and then just do a lot of practice problems and you'll be fine. Some of the test questions are from the book.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He introduces a section, gives a few examples, ask if you have questions, and sends you on your way. He knows what he is talking about and expects you to know too. He may not always be clear in class, but attend his office hours, and he will remember your face.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Best math teacher at URI. Amazing. He is such a sweet old man. Very approachable. Go to him for help and he'll learn your name and love you. He really wants his students to do well. Go to class. He asks if anyone has questions at the beginning of each class. I wouldn't have passed calc without him. Probably won't take calc 2 unless he teaches it.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He speaks clearly but he doesn't do anything but show examples from hw. He doesn't teach really well, but have any questions and he will answer. I never went to class because I had hs calc and I did fine.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Horrible teacher. Never gave us a single practice problem in class. Briefly explained each topic but went over one example and moved on. Better off using the textbook and not showing up to class other than for quizzes.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MTH131
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Basic calc. He was kind of boring but really fair with his exam questions. Doing all of the questions on wiley plus helps a lot. He's like a math wizard. You can tell he knows what he's talking about.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MTH451
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

very good professor. extremely lenient with partial credit. unfortunately he only went over homework problems during the review sessions before the tests. grade for class is compromised of only 2 tests and final exam. no curveballs on tests, they were very straightforward. sometimes spends too much time on examples that aren't pertinent. good prof.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Prof. Finizio was a very clear and understandable professor. Does alot of proofs in class, but tests are just computation and application of theorems with maybe one easy proof. Overall good course and professor.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Finizio presents mathematics in a very articulate, deliberate, and elegant manner. His lectures are well-structured and the mathematical arguments he presents are rigorous in nature, but very easy to follow. His tests are easy to prepare for and are very much representative of the homework, which makes the class enjoyable and relaxing.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very difficult subject to teach. He is very helpful in office hours. Very knowledgeable. His tests look at what you know instead of trying to find what you don't. His lectures can be confusing, as is the material. Read, be prepared, and do the homework. This is not a class you can cram for. I got an A but I worked hard every week.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MTH362
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class wasn't too bad. He's a decently fair grader but you can't BS him on the exams. His lectures are borin but go anyway. I studied about 20 hours for each exam got a 90 then 85, just study. I don't understand why people are getting 30's and 40's. He doesn't make it that difficult.spend the time you'll get an A. I spent half the time=B

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MTH108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Such a sweet guy, but pretty boring. Pay attention, because attendance and homework count for nothing-- your only grades are your tests, and maybe a writing assignment.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MTH108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Finizio is a really nice man. He is gentle and takes the time to say exactly what he wants to say. He does not take attendance and there were only 2 exams with a final this semester which was annoying because if you mess up on one you're in trouble but he is a fair grader. Class was good, heard 107 was easier.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MATH108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Nice guy. His exams are easy and all problems are taken from the textbook. Boring class. Context not too intricate.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Finizio is a really nice guy. His tests are very fair. All material on the tests is taken either directly from notes or directly from the book. No surprises. Allowed a cheat sheet for the final. Only 2 tests and 1 final all semester. He was a very fair grader.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MTH142
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Monotone is definitely not an interesting professor, but if you can keep your eyes and ears open, his explanations are clearer than any other calc teacher. Don't hate Finizio, it's the material that can be hard...you just have to practice and study. Prof Monotone is really helpful, you just have to have a good attention span.